2004 Rose
The Tablas Creek Vineyard Rosé 2004 is a blend of three estate-grown varietals, propagated from budwood cuttings from the Château de Beaucastel estate. The blend is traditional of the southern Rhône, though the blend of grapes is predominantly Mourvèdre, and therefore more like the solid, dry rosés of Bandol than the lighter Grenache-based Tavel.
Technical Details
Appellation
- Paso Robles
Technical Notes
- 14.5% alcohol by volume
- 700 cases produced
Blend
- 62% Mourvèdre
- 28% Grenache
- 10% Counoise
Recipes & Pairings
Recipe Suggestions
Food Pairings
- Salmon
- Sushi
- Anchovies
- Sausages
- Roast chicken
- Mediterranean tapas
Production Notes
Each year, we take the grapes for our Rosé from the oldest section of French-source vines at Tablas Creek. In 1994, two years after our French vines had been released from their USDA-mandated quarantine, we had propagated just enough to plant a few rows of each varietal on a hill overlooking our vine nursery. Over the next few years, we used cuttings from these plants to plant the rest of our 120-acre vineyard.
These few rows of high-quality vines ripen later than the rest of the vineyard, so we harvest the Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Counoise together and co-ferment them (on their skins) in a single stainless steel fermenter. After 72 hours, we draw about 800 gallons of juice off the blend, and ferment it dry away from the skins. These lots are then supplemented with saignees (bleedings) from other Mourvèdre lots in the cellar.
The 2004 Rosé is rich, ripe, and full of spice and fruit. It has aromatics of sage and juniper, as well as white plum and watermelon, flavors of ripe strawberries, fresh acidity and a lingering finish. Pair it with Mediterranean cuisine, Spanish tapas, preparations with garlic and olive oil... or just enjoy it outside on a sunny day.